The Best Perennials for Summer Fragrance

GardeningFlowers

Mar 24

You know what really takes a garden from “pretty” to unforgettable? Fragrance. There’s just something about stepping outside and catching a whiff of sweet, spicy, or citrusy blooms that makes you want to stay out there a little longer.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite perennials that don’t just bloom beautifully in summer—they also smell amazing. These are plants you can count on to come back year after year, making your garden look and smell incredible with very little fuss. Here are my 9 perennials that will add a delightful fragrance to your summer garden.

The items listed are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.

Best Perennials for Summer Fragrance

1. Dianthus

Zones 3-9 / Full Sun / Well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral soil

Dianthus, often called “pinks” or “carnations,” or “Sweet Williams” have delicate, frilled petals in shades of pink, white, and red. The blooms might be small, but they sure pack a punch with a spicy, clove-like fragrance—sometimes with hints of cinnamon.

Unique Features:

Lots of modern hybrids available for nearly any color preference.
Great in containers or rock gardens, thanks to their compact form.

2. Dictamnus albus (Gas Plant)

Zones 3-8 | Full sun to partial shade | Well-drained, slightly sandy or loamy soil

Dictamnus albus produces upright racemes of pinkish-white, sometimes lavender-tinged flowers that have a delicate citrusy scent. The foliage releases a strong lemony fragrance if you brush against it.

Unique Features:

Called the “Gas Plant” because its seed pods produce a flammable gas (don’t try this at home, but it’s quite the botanical novelty).
A long-lived perennial—plant it once, and enjoy it for years.

RELATED: The Best Annual Flowers for a Fragrant Garden

3. Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus (Lemon Lily)

Zones 3-9 | Full sun to partial shade | Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but quite tolerant of different types

Also known as the Lemon Lily, its bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers almost glow in the garden. True to its nickname, the blooms offer a fresh, lemony scent.

Unique Features:

Flowers typically last a single day (hence “daylily”), but plants produce multiple buds for a continuous show.
Very low-maintenance—perfect for busy gardeners.

4. Hesperis matronalis (Dame’s Rocket)

Zones 3-9 | Full sun to partial shade | Moist, well-drained soil

Clusters of four-petaled blooms in shades of lavender to white top tall, slender stems. Dame’s Rocket is one of those charming cottage-garden flowers. Its sweet, slightly spicy fragrance peaks in the evening—like a gentle perfume wafting on the twilight breeze.

Unique Features:

Attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Self-seeds easily, so you might find pleasant “surprises” next season.

RELATED: 11 Perennials with Fragrant Spring Flowers You'll Love in Your Garden

5. Hosta plantaginea (August Lily)

Zones 3-9 | Partial shade to full shade | Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Unlike many hostas that are grown primarily for their foliage, Hosta plantaginea boasts sizable, white, trumpet-shaped flowers. These blooms open in late summer, releasing an intense, sweet fragrance that can fill a shady corner delightfully.

Unique Features:

Known as the most fragrant of all hostas—truly a summer treat for the senses.
Broad, shiny leaves add textural interest all season long.

6. Hymenocallis narcissiflora (Peruvian Daffodil, Ismene)

Zones 8-10 | Full sun to partial shade | Well-draining, loamy soil with moderate moisture

Spidery, white flowers with a frilly cup in the center give Hymenocallis its exotic flair. The scent is sweetly floral, with a light, almost tropical quality.

Unique Features:

Makes an eye-catching statement in containers or at the front of mixed borders.
Often called “Peruvian Daffodil” because of its daffodil-like central cup.

RELATED: 15 Drought-Tolerant Perennials That Survive Scorching Summers

7. Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily)

Zones 6-9 | Full sun to partial shade | Well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter

Pure white, trumpet-shaped blooms stand atop tall, elegant stems. The fragrance is a rich, classic lily scent—intoxicating, heady, and an absolute icon of cottage gardens.

Unique Features:

Historic and symbolic—Madonna Lilies have been cultivated for centuries.
Beautiful as cut flowers to bring that luxurious aroma indoors.

8. Nepeta x faassenii (Catmint)

Zones 4-8 | Full sun to partial shade | Well-drained, average soil; thrives in many conditions

Catmint produces cascades of lavender-blue flower spikes above silvery-gray foliage. While the flowers themselves have a gentle fragrance, it’s the leaves that release a minty aroma when rubbed or crushed—something cats find irresistible.

Unique Features:

A magnet for pollinators—bees and butterflies love it.
Drought-tolerant once established, making it a great low-maintenance choice.

9. Paeonia lactiflora (Herbaceous Peony)

Zones: 3-8 / Full Sun / Well-drained, rich, loamy soil

Peonies produce large, luxurious blooms in pink, white, red, or magenta. Many varieties have a sweet, rose-like perfume that can fill the air, especially on warm, sunny days.

Unique Features:

Often prized as a cut flower—place them in a vase to enjoy the scent indoors.
Longevity: a peony plant can live and bloom for decades when cared for properly. Here’s some tips on how to deadhead peonies for long lasting blooms.

Which ones on the list are your favorite?